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 DYRHAM
PARK – Robin’s own
guide to Dyrham compiled from the world wide web
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Location 2 miles from
J18 on the M4 BATH 8 miles(S) BRISTOL 12
miles(W).
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
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The small village of Dyrham is situated eight miles north of Bath on
the western edge of the Cotswold escarpment. The River Boyd runs through
the village and Dyrham is famous for is baroque mansion, Dyrham Park (Grade
I Listed)
Dyrham lies within the
Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also covered by Green
Belt policies. The Cotswold Way passes through the village and Dyrham Park
grounds are listed on the English Heritage register of Parks and
Gardens.
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History
Dyrhams long history goes back
to 577 when Cuthwine and Ceawlin, two Saxon leaders, fought against the
Britons and killed three of their Kings, Conmail, Condidan and Farinmail on
the site.
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Dyrham Park completely
replaced a late medieval house of the Denys family and until 1957 was the
home of the Blathwayt family. Dyrham Park is now under the protection of
the National Trust. William Blathwayt married Mary Wynter,
heiress to the property 1686. He was an influential diplomat and civil
servant who spent much time abroad. Blathwayt's house was built by two
architects, William Talman and the Frenchman Samuel Hauderoy.
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Hauderoy built the west front which now faces the formal gardens as
an addition to the medieval house and it was probably finished by 1694. The
stable block followed, designed by Talman and largely supervised by Edward
Wilcox, foreman. Much more radical was the addition of the east front in
pure baroque style which took the place of the older house. This was
Talman's work between 1698 and 1704. The monumental orangery which
continues the main east front cleverly hides the stables behind and was
started in 1701 by Talman.
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Within the house there
are many 17th century treasures including tapestries, furniture and
paintings, many of which are Dutch in origin. William Blathwayt was
Secretary of State to William II and travelled frequently to the
Netherlands.
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The magnificent gardens
were originally laid out in the Dutch manner by George Loudon but were
influenced by Repton. Indeed the park was famous for its water gardens and to
the east of the house there used to be a cascade of 224 steps running down
towards the house. The house and grounds are open to the public.
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The church of St Peter
(Grade I Listed) nestles against the side of the hill, alongside the house
to the west. It is a charming church of the mid-13th century a containing
Norman font and medieval features including tiles and stained glass.
More at
www.dyrhamchurch.org.uk
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Village
Dyrham village clusters
around the church and walled gardens of the Manor House. The winding lanes
and hilly ground add much to the rural character of the village. Many
cottages and houses are of the 17th and 18th centuries, including the 17th
century Rectory (Grade II Listed).
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www.multimap.com
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The village to the west
follows the line of two narrow lanes on either side of the River Boyd. This
descends by a series of waterfalls and flows underneath the village street.
To the north and east of the village the steep wooded slopes enclose the
village. The grounds of Dyrham Park contribute to the setting of the
village, the walls of the park being a particular feature of note. To the
west of the house a small cascade and two lakes provide a pleasing contrast
with the sounds of the waterfall adding to the tranquil scene. To the east
of the house, within the park,
a splendid statute of
Neptune by C C Gibber is situated. 
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The tree topped hills of the park, including oak, beech, ash and
sweet chestnut, and the avenue of limes along the church walk, provide
picturesque views with a more formal setting.
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In recent years Dyrham
has changed quite radically. From being a feudal hamlet with a resident
squire to a commuter village, being conveniently located for major transport
routes. Although infilling and new development has taken place, Dyrham
still retains its charm and unique character. The buildings, utilising
local materials such as Cotswold stone and ranging in size from small
cottages to the grander houses, provide variety and interest.
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LINKS
The Crown Inn
Tolldown Road
Dyrham
Chippenham
SN148HZ
Tel: (01225) 891 166Fax:
An old stone building just south of the M4. Nowadays redecorated as
one room with bare boards comfortably scattered with pine tables, the Crown
aims at travelling diners. There is an imaginative menu and wide choice of
wines. To the rear is a heated patio area for summer lunch times.
Tollgate Tea Shop
Oldfield Gatehouse,
Dyrham Park (A46)
Gloucestershire
Tel: 01225 891585
2.5 MILES to PUCKLECHURCHpop 3000
Shops, Doctor, Post Office, Garage, Primary School, Girl
Guides etc.
DYRHAM
PARK ALBUM
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TO BE CONTINUED
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